Birth Control

If you’ve already faced one unintended pregnancy, it’s very likely you’ll want to prevent another from happening. The best way to do this is with birth control. But there are so many options out there, it can get really confusing! If you plan to use birth control to prevent unintended pregnancies, the best thing to do is talk to your health care provider. You can discuss your options and see what might be the best fit.

Abstinence

Birth control patch

Birth control pills

Birth control shot

Birth control sponge

Birth control vaginal ring

Breastfeeding as birth control

Cervical cap

Condom

Diaphram

Female condom

IUD

Spermacide

For more information (including other birth control options) visit the Planned Parenthood website. Just remember, you should still have a conversation with your doctor.

If you go to your doctor to get birth control, you can keep it secret from your parents if you wish. They are not entitled to know whether you’ve gotten advice about or a prescription for birth control. It will stay between you and your doctor.

Emergency contraception (sometimes called the Morning-After Pill, and sometimes called Plan B) is not the same as regular birth control, even though it is designed to prevent an unintended pregnancy. Regular birth control are used routinely, sometimes every day, but emergency contraception is not meant for regular use. You should only use it when your regular birth control has failed, you or your partner didn’t use it correctly, or had unprotected sex and otherwise weren’t protected against unintended pregnancy.

Emergency contraception isn’t the same thing as an abortion. It works to prevent pregnancy before it happens.

With emergency contraception, timing is very important. It’s best to take emergency contraception as soon as you can after you’ve had unprotected sex. The longer you wait, the less likely it is that the medication will work. The best time to take the medicine is within 24 hours to 3 days after unprotected sex, but you can try to take it up to 5 days afterward.

Plan B One-Step, Next Choice One Dose, and some other brands of emergency contraception are available to anyone, no matter how old you are, over the counter without a prescription at a drugstore. If you are under 17, you will need to visit your doctor to receive a prescription for emergency contraception that is taken in two doses. All people, regardless of their age, need a prescription for ella. Like regular forms of birth control, you parents will not be notified of your use of emergency contraception unless you choose to tell them yourself.

If you decide to engage in sexual activity, it is important that you are smart and safe. Birth control is a great way to protect yourself from unintended pregnancies and in some cases, sexually transmitted diseases. Remember to talk to your doctor about what form of birth control works best for you.